Thousands of people gathered on streets across Israel on the eve of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, as the nation awaits the return of hostages who have been held captive for the past 15 months in Gaza.
In Tel Aviv, thousands of demonstrators gathered on Saturday night in a plaza known as “Hostages Square,” where families of the captives have held rallies for more than a year. Many have called for the government to negotiate the release of all hostages.
Luis Har, a former hostage held in Gaza for four months, expressed his concern about the well-being of those still trapped by Hamas.
Thirty-three Israeli hostages held by Hamas and its allies are expected to be released during the first phase of the ceasefire deal, which is set to last for six weeks. It remains unclear if all of them are alive.
Hamas and its allies still hold 94 of the 251 people taken from the October 7 attack on southern Israel. Of those, at least 34 are dead, according to the Israeli government, though the true number is expected to be higher. More than 150 have already been returned.
Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv and across Israel, anti-government protesters also gathered, calling for an end to the war and for Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to resign.
“We want them back alive, not in coffins,” a crowd chanted as it marched from HaBima Square to Begin Road in Tel Aviv, holding up banners and waving Israeli flags.
Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan Zangauker is held captive by Hamas, called on the nation to make sure the government “does not blow up this deal.”
Members of the “Pink Front,” a group of young artists and performers who often lead the chants at protests, shouted pro-democracy slogans to the beat of drums, calling for a comprehensive deal to bring back all hostages.
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